Are you getting excited about Washington?
Yes. They had us start writing to our camp roommates to get to know them before we went. I have a pen pal, her name is Melissa and she goes to The School for the Deaf and Blind in South Carolina. She might be going to DC next year too for the program so we can be friends.
Do you think you’ll like her?
I think so. Not sure.
No boys.
Dad!
If you roll your eyes again, you’ll be grounded.
Fine. But Jessica gets to date.
I’m not Jessica’s father.
Why are you so hard on me about this?
You know why.
I’m deaf, not stupid.
Exactly.
Then why can’t you trust me? What if I like a hearing boy?
No boys period. Let’s talk about something else.
She blew her bangs out of her eyes and nodded. Are you staying in St. Thomas for the whole summer?
Yes, and you know you can come here with me instead of Washington. I would love it.
She was already shaking her head.
That was a quick decision. Don’t worry about my feelings being hurt. I bulged my eyes and she laughed. That sound would forever be the best sound of my life.
Sorry. I just don’t want you hounding me. You are the fun police.
Have I lost my little girl already? I finished signing slowly. My devastation unintentional.
Daddy? What’s wrong?
Nothing, baby. I’m just sad you’re growing up so fast.
Mom keeps telling me she wants to talk.
I shook my head. I’ll call her later. I’ll see you at the airport.
Can’t wait. Love you.
Love you so much. Be safe and get to me in one piece, okay?
She rubbed her chest with the sign of the P. Promise.
You are my heart, Ella Danielle Kemp.
You are my heart, Daddy Asshole.